Downtown Ashland Association is celebrating a significant achievement: earning Main Street America accreditation for the 11th consecutive year. This recognition underscores the association's unwavering commitment to revitalizing and promoting Ashland’s historic downtown through comprehensive programming and community engagement.
Main Street America supports communities nationwide through the Main Street Approach™ and a wide array of programs in economic development, historic preservation, urban planning, finance, and public affairs. Downtown Ashland Association’s accreditation is a testament to its excellence in these areas, as reflected in its near-perfect score from Main Street America representatives.
The accreditation process involved a thorough assessment using a national rubric that evaluates organizations in six categories. Downtown Ashland Association received an impressive overall rating of 4.5, excelling in areas such as broad-based community commitment, inclusive leadership, diversified funding, sustainable program operation, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and demonstrated impact and results.
“We are very proud of our accreditation results,” said Downtown Ashland Association Board President E.G. Allen. “Our Executive Director Maggie Longest worked very hard in the 2024 fiscal year not only to comply with the Main Street fundamentals but to expand the reach of the Downtown Ashland Association into even greater opportunities for Ashland businesses through increased grant opportunities and even larger attendance at our Downtown Ashland events, and in combination with the efforts of our Board of Directors, the accreditation results confirmed those efforts.”
Since 2013, Downtown Ashland Association has been a recognized leader among over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities in the Main Street America network. Their success is rooted in the tireless efforts of volunteers, business owners, and community leaders who work collaboratively to enhance and promote Downtown Ashland. From marketing initiatives and special events to business engagement and economic development, the association’s initiatives contribute significantly to the town’s vitality.
Signature events like Ashland Train Day and Light Up the Tracks, along with community-building activities such as Ashland Fourth Fridays and Ashland Halloween, draw visitors and residents tens of thousands to the historic downtown, creating dynamic and memorable experiences. Marketing campaigns, such as promotions on behalf of Secretariat for Virginia, have garnered millions of media impressions, further boosting Downtown Ashland’s visibility.
The association also plays a pivotal role in supporting local businesses. In 2023 alone, it secured two grants totaling $175,000 from the Virginia Main Street Program, funding free workshops, business handbooks, pitch competitions, and mentoring programs. These efforts foster a business-friendly environment and promote local patronage through partnerships with organizations like Market Ashland Partnership and Hanover Chamber of Commerce.
Preserving Ashland’s unique character and history is another cornerstone of the association’s mission. Collaborations with the Ashland Museum and Hanover County Black Heritage Society ensure that the town’s rich heritage is celebrated and preserved for future generations.
To continue this impactful work, Downtown Ashland Association invites community members to become VIP members. By supporting the association, VIP members will help sustain and expand programming that makes Ashland a vibrant and thriving community.
For more information on becoming a VIP member and supporting Downtown Ashland Association, visit AshlandVirginia.com/VIP.